Underwater Wave Energy Vehicle With Phase-Synchronized Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for harnessing ocean wave energy face challenges such as inefficiency in converting wave energy into usable electricity, sensitivity to wave direction, and high costs due to the need for robust structures to withstand storm conditions, while also struggling with variability in wave amplitude and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An underwater vehicle equipped with a phase detection system, a two-quadrant motor-generator, and rechargeable batteries that synchronizes its movement with ocean waves to extract energy, allowing it to convert wave motion into electrical energy through a loop trajectory perpendicular to the wave particle motion, thereby reducing energy consumption and increasing energy storage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional wave energy conversion structures are used, then wave energy can be harnessed, but the conversion efficiency is low and the system is sensitive to wave direction
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle dynamically adjusts its orientation and velocity to synchronize with wave motion, transitioning from static directional structures to a dynamic system that adapts to varying wave conditions. The vehicle changes its attitude and speed to maintain optimal phase relationship with waves, resolving the directional sensitivity problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (velocity, orientation, position) in real-time to match wave characteristics. By continuously adjusting these parameters, the vehicle maintains high conversion efficiency across varying wave directions and amplitudes, eliminating the fixed directional limitation of conventional structures.
2Reliability
If robust structures are built to withstand storm conditions, then reliability improves, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of building statically robust structures, the vehicle uses dynamic control to survive storm conditions. The ability to actively adjust orientation, velocity, and position allows the vehicle to navigate through harsh conditions without requiring overly complex or expensive structural reinforcements.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses its own propulsion and control systems to actively manage its exposure to wave forces, rather than relying on passive structural strength. This self-service approach to withstanding storms reduces the need for complex protective structures.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle synchronizes with wave motion to extract energy, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs feedback control by continuously monitoring wave phase and adjusting its own motion accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables efficient energy extraction while keeping the control system relatively simple through direct sensor-motor coupling rather than complex intermediate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-generator serves multiple functions: propulsion, positioning, and energy generation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function, while still achieving efficient wave energy conversion.
4Productivity
If the vehicle travels in a loop trajectory perpendicular to wave particle motion, then energy extraction improves, but the phase detection and positioning requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The phase detection system provides continuous feedback on wave position and velocity, allowing the vehicle to maintain accurate synchronization while traveling in loop trajectories. This feedback enables the system to achieve high energy extraction rates without requiring excessively stringent measurement precision by continuously correcting small deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses its own motion control systems to maintain phase synchronization, rather than relying solely on external positioning infrastructure. This self-service approach to phase maintenance reduces the stringency of external measurement requirements while preserving high energy extraction efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient and cost-effective harnessing of wave energy, allowing for extended deep-water exploration and surveying capabilities with improved energy storage and reduced energy consumption, while being adaptable to irregular wave conditions.
Implementation Method 1
switching the motor-generator to the second quadrant for generation mode to convert energy from the movement of the wave to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a phase detection system comprising a plurality of pressure taps disposed around the vehicle body
Data Source
AI summary
A method for harnessing wave energy includes providing a vehicle to a body of water, the vehicle. The method includes submerging the vehicle to a depth in the body of water. The method includes operating the motor-generator of the vehicle in the first quadrant of the motor-generator. The method includes detecting a phase of a wave in the body of water based information from the processor of the detected phase. The method includes orienting the vehicle to lag the phase of the wave based on the detected phase of the wave. The method includes synchronizing an inertial acceleration of the vehicle to movement of the wave. The method includes switching the motor-generator to the second quadrant for generation mode to convert energy from the movement of the wave to electrical energy. The method includes storing the energy from the wave in the rechargeable battery source.